Ailing parents make trip to see Bears for 1st time this season

That will change at the Sweet 16 when for the first time this season his parents, who have both been battling cancer, will attend a game.

"Any time you have family and friends with you to celebrate big moments, I think that's exciting," Drew said.

Scott's father, Homer, the former Valparaiso coach, is fighting prostate cancer, while his mother, Janet, has had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation for Stage 3 bladder cancer.

"We have a very close family, and normally my mom and dad make it to a game or two during the course of the year," Drew said. "My mom finished chemo and she just finished radiation. This is her first road trip. The great thing is not only are my parents here, but you get words of wisdom because my dad's still a coach. I'm sure he'll be criticizing or critiquing practice."

The third-seeded Bears will take on No. 10 Xavier in Friday's regional semifinal at the Georgia Dome. The game will feature Baylor's interior presence against Xavier's strong guard play.

Drew sees more similarities than differences.

"Both teams like to get up and down," he said. "Both teams are athletic. Both teams have more open offense, pick-and-roll offense. Fans are going to be in for a very exciting game."

Drew said he let his parents know he wants them to bring some good luck.